Storm planning now also includes furry loved ones

SANFORD -- When Hurricane Katrina hit in 2005, it brought unfathomable destruction to the Gulf Coast, along with a powerful lesson for all pet owners to make plans to evacuate with their animals.

To encourage Floridians to make plans early to protect their pets, Gov. Charlie Crist declared Tuesday as Florida Animal Disaster Preparedness Day. Seminole County Animal Services conducted demonstrations on how to build pet disaster kits and what to bring to shelters.

"With Katrina, we saw what happens when people stay at home with their pets, so we want to make sure they know that there are pet-friendly shelters, said Alan Harris, Seminole County's acting emergency manager. "There is no reason to stay home if you live in a manufactured home, in low-lying areas or any home that would be unsafe during a hurricane."

Regina Whyte of Casselberry sought the pet-protecting advice Tuesday.

Whyte was left without electricity for weeks after two consecutive hurricanes moved through Seminole County in 2004.

She took four of the animals to her mother's condominium, but stayed home with her 14-year-old German shepherd because he couldn't navigate the stairs at the condo.

"I call my pets my furry family members and I want to make sure they're taken care of," she said. "I'm definitely hoping I don't need to use the information, but now I know what to do just in case."

Diane Gagliano, program coordinator for the Seminole County Animal Shelter, offered brochures and cookies along with pet-friendly advice.

Disaster kit for pets

Her pet disaster kit featured items such as leashes, collars with current tags, pet photos, shot records and food.

Other included items might also be used for humans, such as bottled water and a first aid kit with antihistamines and anti-diarrhea medications.

"Pets get stressed just like humans, and they also can get reactions to bug bites," Gagliano said.

Among the information handed out was the location of Seminole's two pet-friendly shelters.

In Orange County, the storm's path will determine what pet shelters open, said Jake White, vice president of communications for the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals of Central Florida.

That list of pet-friendly sites would be released "as soon as possible" before any storm.

In Volusia County, evacuees have filled the Volusia County Fairgrounds to capacity during nearly every major hurricane since 1996, when both people and their pets were first allowed to stay there, said Shelley Szafraniec, community information specialist for the county.

Instead of offering in-person demonstrations, Volusia County set up a Web site at volusia.org/storm/pet.htm with information on creating a pet disaster plan or kit.

Get pets vaccinated

White had two reminders that he said were "extremely important."

Owners need to get their pets' shots now, because shelters won't let them in unless they have shot records.

"That's everywhere," he said. "Even if you go to North Carolina to escape the storm, they'll ask you for proof of shots."

Those documents, along with a current photo of your pet, should be put in a waterproof bag, he added.

While most people think of dogs and cats when it comes to disaster preparation, other animals also need care, Gagliano said.

She said horse owners who plan to evacuate should do so five days before the expected storm.

And, those with animals she referred to as "pocket pets," such as lizards, snakes and birds -- should make sure they are in secure cages when taking them to a pet-friendly shelter.

Whether it's a dog, cat, horse or snake, the key is to be prepared, Gagliano said.